No matter your hair color, we’re all on the same mission: shiny hair. It seems despite our best efforts; somehow we still manage to miss the mark. For some, it is a mystery as to why they end up with dull, matte locks regardless of all the hair products they use. In an effort to save you any further heartache, here are the five common mistakes you are making that is sabotaging your hair’s shine.

Not using the right shampoo and conditioner: If your hair is of the coarse and brittle variety, you probably lack some natural luster and need a little extra TLC to get to a shinier place. Start in the shower and equip yourself with a shine-enhancing shampoo and conditioner combo. Look for a shampoo that doesn’t have a bunch of chemicals as ingredients, as these can weigh down the hair. Usually a conditioner that is cream-based is better, and you should be on the lookout for ceramides and protein-enhanced conditioners, which help to restore damaged locks.

Also, look into a deep conditioning treatment that is meant to nourish and restore parched and brittle strands. You can choose a conditioner to apply after washing or for extremely damaged hair, a post-shower hair mask offers major moisture to revitalize your suffering strands.

Forgetting to trim: You don’t need an expert to tell you that getting a regular trim will rid your hair of breakage and split ends and allow you to restore the remaining mane to a hydrated, healthy state. You don’t need a major chop — just the ends will do wonders.

Too much heat-styling: We all are aware of the perils of heating tools and their effects on our locks. Along with split ends and breakage, excessive heat can make your hair appear dull. Using lotions and creams before heat styling will only weigh your hair down. Instead, give your hair a spritz of heat protectant spray or run a light serum through it before styling; they’ll guard your strands without the heaviness of thicker products.

Overbrushing: Excessive or rough brushing can lead to damaged, lifeless strands. Take it easy on your mane and make sure you are: (a) using the right hairbrush, (b) brushing gently and (c) not overdoing it.

Wash too much: While your hair appreciates your efforts to keep it squeaky-clean, you’re actually doing more harm than good if you wash every day. In fact, you are stripping your hair of essential shine-promoting oils and nutrients, and no one wants that. Wash every other day or if you’re really talented, every three days. To keep your locks in good, clean shape, invest in some dry shampoo.

Not practicing prevention: Once you have beautiful shiny hair, you forget to prevent future damage to your mane by embracing healthy hair habits, like going product-free every now and then, maintaining a healthy diet and completing before mentioned tips.

First off, fast food is not doing your hair a service — at all. Load up on nutrient- and vitamin-rich foods like salmon, spinach and walnuts that will promote shiny healthy hair. Secondly, maintain a healthy hair regiment for nonstop shiny locks.